After the way the game started, Reds fans couldn't have imagined what the team had in store for later. Facing the Brewers, Edinson Volquez got off to a very rocky start, but in the end the Reds were able to stage a massive rally against closer John Axford and walk off courtesy of a three-run opposite-field home run by Ramon Hernandez.
Brewers Vs. Reds: Ramon Hernandez Walk-Off Home Run Provides Opener Drama
The game began in historic fashion, as Rickie Weeks led off with a homer against Volquez, and Carlos Gomez followed with a homer of his own. It was the first time a season opener had begun with consecutive home runs since 1969. Volquez would allow a third run before the end of the inning, and the Reds were immediately behind the eight ball.
Volquez would settle down from there and last six innings. The Reds, though, were unable to claw their way back against Yovani Gallardo and Milwaukee's middle relief, and despite dingers by Drew Stubbs and Joey Votto, this was a 6-3 contest headed into the bottom of the ninth.
And that’s when the magic happened. Out came Axford, who last year closed 24 games with a 2.48 ERA. Axford quickly allowed a single and a walk, and the Reds were able to load the bases after a blown fielder’s choice. Axford retired the next two batters, allowing a sac fly to cut the game to 6-4, but then Hernandez stepped in and blasted a low line drive down the right field line. The line drive cleared the fence, and Hernandez’s fourth hit of the day was his biggest, as his teammates met him at home plate to celebrate a dramatic victory.
You can find video of Hernandez's heroics right here. The series resumes on Saturday, with Shaun Marcum and Travis Wood.
For more on the Brewers and Reds, please check out team blogs Brew Crew Ball and Red Reporter.
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